Mallard Creek QB Williams: "I'm firm" with UNC

Mallard Creek quarterback Marquise Williams, a candidate for a national player of the year award, said he remains firm in his commitment to North Carolina, despite the NCAA investigation into the Tar Heels’ program.

Williams, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior, took an official visit to North Carolina for Saturday’s 21-17 win against William & Mary. He said he plans to graduate in December and enroll in college in January.

“As of right now, I’m firm in my commitment,” Williams said. “I know everybody is saying different and they’ve been calling and asking me, but I plan to sign with UNC.”

Williams has led the Mavericks to a 10-0 record and a national ranking in several polls. Mallard Creek is No. 3 in the Observer’s Sweet 16. In last week’s 76-30 win against West Charlotte, he Williams threw for six touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for more than 450 yards.

For the season, he’s thrown for 2,565 yards and 38 touchdowns. He’s rushed for 875 yards.

Mallard Creek QB Williams: I'm still committed to UNC

Mallard Creek quarterback Marquise Williams, a top 15 national recruit at his position, says he is still firm in his commitment to North Carolina.

The Tar Heels have pulled 13 players from tonight's season-opener with LSU due to investigations into possible misconduct by the football players.

Thirteen players - including seven starters on UNC's star-studded defense - remained in Chapel Hill on Friday night as the 18th-ranked Tar Heels prepared for their season opener in Atlanta.

The school said six were ineligible for the LSU game for breaking school and/or NCAA rules. Seven more were held out as investigations continue into possible academic misconduct and inappropriate contact with pro agents.

Williams said he is watching carefully.

“I’m still trying to see what’s going to happen,” Williams said. “My family is trying to see what’s best for us. If they go on probation, I’d have to decommit, but if they don’t go, I’m going to be a Tar Heel."

Williams, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior, has thrown for 13 touchdowns, leading his team to a 3-0 record and a school-best No. 3 Observer Sweet 16 ranking. Mallard Creek has outscored opponents 161-6.

And Williams said the North Carolina situation does cause him some pause.

“To be honest, I’m not worried about it right now," he said. "But sometimes it does worry me. It’s like, if something happens, where will I play next year? Will I find the right place for me? So it does come to my mind, but I’m trying to finish
my high school career out.”

Scout.com, a national recruiting website, ranks Williams No. 13 at his position nationally. Williams chose the Tar Heels over Michigan and Virginia Tech. He also received scholarship offers from Boston College, East Carolina, Florida, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Louisville, NC State, Notre Dame, South Florida, Syracuse, UCLA and Wake Forest.

Click here to read a profile on Williams